Surgical retrieval apparatus for thoracic procedures

ABSTRACT

A surgical retrieval apparatus includes a handle including an elongated sleeve extending therefrom that, together cooperate to define a lumen therethrough. A shaft having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof and a plunger disposed at a proximal end thereof is selectively translatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the end effector assembly extends from the sleeve. An articulation mechanism is configured to articulate the end effector assembly relative to the shaft. A specimen retrieval bag is coupled to the end effector assembly and is deployable to an extended position upon movement of the end effector assembly to the second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/649,305 filed Oct. 11, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,329, whichclaims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/549,015 filed Oct.19, 2011, and the disclosures of each of the above-identifiedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a retrieval apparatus, and moreparticularly, to a surgical retrieval apparatus for use in thoracicsurgical procedures.

Background of Related Art

In minimally invasive surgical procedures, operations are carried outwithin the body by using elongated instruments inserted through smallentrance openings in the body. The initial opening in the body tissue toallow passage of instruments to the interior of the body may be anatural passageway of the body, or it can be created by a tissuepiercing instrument such as a trocar, or created by a small incisioninto which a cannula is inserted.

Because the tubes, instrumentation, and any required punctures orincisions are relatively small, the surgery is less invasive as comparedto conventional surgical procedures in which the surgeon is required tocut open large areas of body tissue. Therefore, minimally invasivesurgery minimizes trauma to the patient and reduces patient recoverytime and hospital costs.

Minimally invasive procedures may be used for partial or total removalof body tissue or organs from the interior of the body, e.g.nephrectomy, cholecystectomy, lobectomy and other procedures includingthoracic, laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures. During suchprocedures, it is common that a cyst, tumor, or other affected tissue ororgan needs to be removed via the access opening in the skin, or througha cannula. Various types of entrapment devices have been disclosed tofacilitate this procedure. In many procedures where cancerous tumors areremoved, removal of the specimen in an enclosed environment is highlydesirable to inhibit seeding of cancer cells.

In minimally invasive thoracic surgery, access to the thoracic cavity islimited as well as maneuverability within the cavity as the access portis placed between the confined space between a patient's ribs. Suchprocedures, commonly referred to as video assisted thorascopic surgery(VATS), aim to reduce patient recovery time by accessing the thoraciccavity through the natural intercostal space without spreading the ribsas in open procedures. This restricted access can sometimes causeproblems when removing large specimens. Moreover, in such procedures,e.g. thorascopic wedge resection and lobectomy, it is often necessary toremove a portion of the lung and retrieve it relatively intact forpathology. It is also important that the specimen be sufficientlycontained to inhibit seeding of cancer cells during manipulation andremoval.

In designing such specimen retrieval instrumentation, a balance must bestruck between the need to provide a retrieval apparatus with a strongenough containment bag to inhibit tearing or rupture while providingsufficient rigidity to enable manipulation and removal. Another balancewhich needs to be achieved is to provide sufficient maneuverabilitywhile reducing tissue trauma, e.g. damaging lung tissue, duringmanipulation and removal. Additionally, the instrumentation on one handshould be able to be inserted through a small access incision or portwhile on the other hand able to accommodate a wide range of patientsizes and be able to easily remove large specimens and minimize risk ofseeding.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a surgicalretrieval apparatus is provided. The surgical retrieval apparatusincludes a handle defining a longitudinal axis and an elongated sleeveextending distally therefrom. The handle and the elongated sleevecooperate to define a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Ashaft having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereofand a plunger disposed at a proximal end thereof is also provided. Theshaft is selectively translatable through the lumen between a firstposition, and a second position, wherein the end effector assemblyextends distally from the elongated sleeve. An articulation mechanismconfigured to articulate the end effector assembly relative to the shaftbetween a substantially aligned position and an articulated position isalso provided. The handle is rotatable about the longitudinal axis andrelative to the shaft to articulate the end effector assembly. Aspecimen retrieval bag is coupled, and preferably releasably coupled, tothe end effector assembly and is configured to be deployable from anundeployed position to an extended position upon movement of the endeffector assembly from the first position to the second position. Thespecimen retrieval bag further includes a cinch cord disposed about anopen end thereof.

In some embodiments, the cinch cord is removably coupled to the plungerat an end thereof and is configured, upon release from the plunger, forselective proximal translation to cinch closed the specimen retrievalbag.

In some embodiments, articulation of the end effector assembly isinhibited when the shaft is disposed in the first position.

In some embodiments, the handle may define an articulation track on aninner surface thereof. The articulation track may be configured toreceive an articulation post of the articulation mechanism therein suchthat the articulation post is translated along the track upon rotationof the handle assembly about the longitudinal axis and relative to theshaft to articulate the end effector assembly. Further, the articulationmechanism may include an articulation bar coupled to the end effectorassembly at a distal end thereof and the articulation post disposed at aproximal end thereof. The articulation bar is disposed within the shaftand be translatable relative to the shaft upon rotation of the handleassembly relative to the shaft to articulate the end effector assemblyrelative to the shaft

In some embodiments, the shaft is manually translatable between thefirst and second positions. The handle may include one or more fingerholes to facilitate manipulation of the handle.

In some embodiments, a safety tab is configured to engage both thehandle and the shaft when the shaft is disposed in the first position.The safety tab inhibits relative movement between the handle and theshaft.

In some embodiments, a pull-member is releasably coupled to the plungerand configured to engage the end of the cinch cord thereon such that,upon release from the plunger, the pull-member is translatableproximally to cinch closed the specimen retrieval bag. Further, theplunger may include one or more resilient lock tabs configured toreleasably engage the pull-member thereon. The plunger may also includeone or more flanges extending outwardly therefrom that are configured tofacilitate translation of the shaft between the first and secondpositions.

In some embodiments, translation of the shaft from the second positionback to the first position separates the specimen retrieval bag from theend effector assembly and/or at least partially cinches closed thespecimen retrieval bag.

A method of specimen retrieval using the specimen retrieval apparatus ofany of the above-embodiments is also provided in accordance with thepresent disclosure. The method includes positioning the surgicalretrieval apparatus within an internal body cavity, translating theshaft distally through the lumen from a first position to a secondposition such that the end effector assembly extends distally from theelongated sleeve to deploy the specimen retrieval bag, articulating theend effector assembly relative to the shaft from a substantially alignedposition to an articulated position by rotating the handle about thelongitudinal axis relative to the shaft, positioning a specimen oftissue within the specimen retrieval bag, articulating the end effectorassembly back to the substantially aligned position, translating theshaft proximally from the second position back to the first positionsuch that the end effector assembly is disposed within the elongatedsleeve, disengaging the cinch cord from the plunger, and translating thecinch cord proximally to cinch closed the specimen retrieval bag aboutthe specimen of tissue.

In some embodiments, the method further includes cutting the cinch cordto release the specimen retrieval bag from the shaft. Thereafter, thecut end of the cinch cord may be translated proximally to remove thespecimen retrieval bag from the internal body cavity.

In some embodiments, prior to positioning the surgical retrievalapparatus within the internal body cavity, a safety tab coupled to boththe handle and the shaft is removed to permit translation of the shaftrelative to the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the subject surgical retrieval apparatus aredescribed herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side, perspective view of one embodiment of a surgicalretrieval apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure, shown ina deployed (extended) position;

FIG. 2 is a side, perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatusof FIG. 1, shown in a retracted (insertion/removal) position;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the surgical retrievalapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, perspective view of a distal portion of thesurgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1, showing an end effector coupledto a shaft thereof;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective view of a proximal portion of thesurgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of the handle portion of thesurgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the handle portion ofthe surgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side, cut-away view of a specimen retrieval bag configuredfor use with the surgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, perspective view of a proximal end of thespecimen retrieval bag of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the surgicalretrieval apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in the retracted position;

FIG. 11 is a top, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the surgicalretrieval apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in the retracted position;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged, top, longitudinal cross-sectional view of aproximal end of the surgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in theretracted position;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged, side, longitudinal cross-sectional view of thearea of detail designated in FIG. 10 showing the distal end of thesurgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1, in the retracted position;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, top, longitudinal cross-sectional view of adistal end of the surgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in theretracted position;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged, side, longitudinal cross-sectional view of thearea of detail designated in FIG. 10 showing the distal end of thesurgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1, in the retracted position;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged, longitudinal cross-sectional view of a plungerconfigured for use with the surgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a side, perspective view of the plunger of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side, perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatusof FIG. 1, shown being inserted through an incision in tissue;

FIG. 19 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the surgical retrievalapparatus of FIG. 18, shown being inserted through an incision in tissueand into an internal surgical site (e.g., the thoracic cavity);

FIG. 20 is an enlarged, side, longitudinal cross-sectional view of theproximal end of the surgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in thedeployed position;

FIG. 21 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the proximal end of thesurgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 21-21 of FIG.20, shown in the deployed position;

FIG. 22 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the surgical retrievalapparatus of FIG. 1, shown disposed within an internal surgical site inthe deployed position;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged, side perspective view of a proximal end of anend effector assembly of the surgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1,showing a cinch cord of the specimen retrieval bag thereof;

FIG. 24 is a side, perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatusof FIG. 1, shown in an articulated position;

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the surgical retrievalapparatus of FIG. 1, shown in the articulated position;

FIG. 26 is a enlarged, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the area ofdetail of FIG. 25 showing the proximal end of the surgical retrievalapparatus of FIG. 1 in the articulated position;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distalend of the surgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1, shown in thearticulated position;

FIG. 28 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the proximal end of thesurgical retrieval apparatus of FIG. 1 taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25and in the articulated position;

FIG. 29 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the surgical retrievalapparatus of FIG. 1, shown disposed within an internal surgical site inthe deployed and articulated position with a specimen of tissue disposedwithin the specimen retrieval bag;

FIG. 30 is a side, perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatusof FIG. 1, shown inserted through an incision in tissue and returning tothe retracted position;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the distal end of the surgical retrievalapparatus of FIG. 1, wherein the specimen retrieval bag is being cinchedclosed about a specimen of tissue disposed therein;

FIG. 32 is a side, perspective view of the proximal end of the surgicalretrieval apparatus of FIG. 1, showing a pull-member being translated tocinch closed the specimen retrieval bag;

FIG. 33 is a side view of the distal end of the surgical retrievalapparatus of FIG. 1, wherein the specimen retrieval bag has been cinchedclosed to retain a tissue specimen therein;

FIG. 34 is a transverse, cross-sectional view showing the specimenretrieval bag being removed through the incision in tissue with aspecimen of tissue disposed therein;

FIG. 35 is a side, perspective view of another embodiment of a surgicalretrieval apparatus provided in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is an exploded, perspective view of the surgical retrievalapparatus of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged, perspective view of a plunger of the surgicalretrieval apparatus of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a side, perspective view of yet another embodiment of asurgical retrieval apparatus provided in accordance with the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a proximal end of the surgicalretrieval apparatus of FIG. 38.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical retrievalapparatus, and methods of using the same, will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings wherein like references numeralsidentify similar or identical elements. In the drawings, and in thefollowing description, the term “proximal” should be understood asreferring to the end of the apparatus, or component thereof, that iscloser to the clinician during proper use, while the term “distal”should be understood as referring to the end that is farther from theclinician, as is traditional and conventional in the art.

Although the presently disclosed surgical retrieval apparatus isdiscussed with respect to minimally invasive thoracic procedures, it iswithin the scope of the present disclosure that the surgical retrievalapparatus is readily adaptable for use in other minimally invasivesurgical procedures.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-3, a surgical retrieval apparatus in accordancewith the present disclosure is shown generally identified by referencenumeral 10. Surgical retrieval apparatus 10 defines a longitudinal axis“X-X” and generally includes a handle 100 having an elongated sleeve 120fixedly engaged thereto and extending distally therefrom, and a shaft200 having an end effector assembly 220 disposed at a distal end 202thereof, an articulation assembly 240 coupled thereto, and a plungerassembly 260 disposed at a proximal end 204 thereof. As will bedescribed in detail below, shaft 200 and end effector assembly 220 arelongitudinally translatable through and relative to handle 100 andelongated sleeve 120 to transition surgical retrieval apparatus 10between a first, initial, insertion/removal, or retracted position (FIG.2) and a second, extended, or deployed position (FIG. 1). Further, oncethe deployed position has been achieved, handle 100 may be rotated aboutlongitudinal axis “X-X” and relative to shaft 200 to articulate endeffector assembly 220 off of longitudinal axis “X-X,” i.e., to define anacute angle between end effector assembly 220 and shaft 200.

Handle 100 is formed from a pair of cooperating housing components 104,106, e.g., via snap-fitting, and includes a generally-cylindrical bodyportion 110 having a pair of opposed wings 112 extending outwardlytherefrom. Each wing 112 includes a finger hole 114 defined therethroughthat is configured to receive fingers of the clinician to facilitategrasping and/or manipulating surgical retrieval apparatus 10. Asmentioned above, elongated sleeve 120 extends distally from handle 100.More specifically, elongated sleeve 120 includes one or more notches 124defined therein that are configured to receive one or more complementaryprotrusions 116 of body portion 110 of handle 100 to fixedly secureelongated sleeve 120 within body portion 110 of handle 100 uponengagement between components 104, 106 of handle 100. Further, bodyportion 110 of handle 100 and elongated sleeve 120 together define alumen 122 disposed about longitudinal axis “X-X” and extending distallyfrom proximal aperture 108 of handle 100, through body portion 110 ofhandle 100, and through elongated sleeve 120 to distal end 126 thereof,i.e., lumen 122 extends completely through surgical retrieval apparatus10 along longitudinal axis “X-X” thereof.

Elongated sleeve 120 is configured for insertion through an opening intissue, e.g., through a thoracic surgical access portal 300 (FIGS.18-19) disposed within an incision “I” (FIGS. 18-19) in tissue “T”(FIGS. 18-19) between adjacent ribs “R” (FIG. 19) of a patient. As such,it is envisioned that elongated sleeve 120 define a sufficient lengthsuch that elongated sleeve 120 may be advanced into the thoracic cavity“C” (FIG. 19) to a position adjacent a tissue specimen “S” (FIG. 29) tobe removed, while handle 100 remains external of the patient. Further,it is envisioned that elongated sleeve 120 define a diametersufficiently large to permit passage of end effector assembly 220 andshaft 200 therethrough, but sufficiently small such that elongatedsleeve 120 may be inserted between adjacent ribs “R” (FIG. 19) of apatient, i.e., through thoracic access portal 300 (FIGS. 18-19) disposedwithin an incision “I” (FIGS. 18-19) in the intercostal space.

As mentioned above, shaft 200 includes a plunger assembly 260 disposedat proximal end 204 thereof, an end effector assembly 220 disposed atdistal end 202 thereof, and an articulation assembly 240 coupled theretofor articulating end effector assembly 220 relative to shaft 200.Further, shaft 200 is slidably positionable within lumen 122 of handle100 and elongated sleeve 120 and is configured for longitudinaltranslation therethrough between the retracted position (FIG. 2),wherein shaft 200 is retracted proximally relative to handle 100 andelongated sleeve 120 such that end effector assembly 220 is disposedwithin lumen 122, i.e., such that end effector assembly 220 does notextend from distal end 126 of sleeve 120, and the deployed position(FIG. 1), wherein shaft 200 is translated distally through lumen 122such that end effector assembly 220 extends distally from distal end 126of elongated sleeve 120 to deploy specimen retrieval bag 30.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, shaft 200 includes a bifurcatedproximal end 204 and plunger assembly 260 includes a protrusion 262extending from base 261 thereof that is configured to be received withinthe bifurcated proximal end 204 of shaft 200. A pin 264 inserted througheach of the bifurcated portions of proximal end 204 of shaft 200 andthrough protrusion 262 of plunger assembly 260 secures plunger assembly260 to proximal end 204 of shaft 200.

Plunger assembly 260 further includes a handle 265 extending proximallyfrom base 261. Handle 265 defines a central, annular portion 266 havingan aperture 267 extending therethrough and a pair of lateral graspingflanges 268 extending outwardly from annular portion 266 to facilitatethe grasping of plunger assembly 260 to retract plunger assembly 260and, thus, shaft 200 relative to handle 100 and elongated sleeve 120,e.g., from the deployed position (FIG. 1) back to the retracted position(FIG. 2).

A pull-ring 280 is removably disposed within plunger assembly 260.Pull-ring 280 is coupled to cinch cord 230 of specimen retrieval bag 30and includes a lip 282 extending inwardly into central opening 286thereof that facilitates the grasping of pull-ring 280 for disengagingpull-ring 280 from plunger assembly 260 and retracting pull-ring 280relative to plunger assembly 260 to tension cinch cord 230. Morespecifically, pull-ring 280 is releasably engagable within recessed rim272 of plunger assembly 260, which is disposed about aperture 267, via aplurality of resilient lock tabs 274 (FIG. 16). A more detaileddescription of pull-ring 280, including the operation thereof, will bedescribed hereinbelow.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-3, in conjunction with FIG. 4, endeffector assembly 220 is pivotably coupled to shaft 200 and articulationassembly 240. End effector assembly 220 includes a pair of arms 222, 224configured for positioning within loop 34 formed at open end 33 ofspecimen retrieval bag 30 to retain specimen retrieval bag 30 thereon.In the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 1, arms 222, 224 of endeffector assembly 220 define a spaced-apart, curvate configuration forretaining specimen retrieval bag 30 thereon in an open condition,although other configurations are also contemplated, e.g., end effectorassembly 200 may include linear arms 222, 224. Articulation assembly 240includes a rotatable member 242, an articulation linkage 250, and anarticulation bar 254 that is disposed within an elongated,longitudinally-extending recess 206 defined within shaft 200, thuspermitting articulation bar 254 to translate through recess 206 relativeto shaft 200.

Arms 222, 224 of end effector assembly 220 are pivotably coupled toshaft 200 via rotatable member 242 of articulation assembly 240. Moreparticularly, arms 222, 224 of end effector assembly 220 each include afirst aperture 226, 227, respectively, and a second aperture 228, 229,respectively, longitudinally-spaced from first aperture 226, 227,respectively. Apertures 226, 228 and 227, 229 of respective arms 222,224 are defined therethrough at proximal ends 223, 225, respectively,thereof. Rotatable member 242 similarly includes first and secondlongitudinally-spaced apertures 243, 244, respectively, definedtherethrough. A first pin 247 is secured through first aperture 226 ofarm 222, first aperture 243 of rotatable member 242, and first aperture227 of arm 224. A second pin 248 is secured through apertures 208defined within each portion of the at least partially bifurcated distalend 202 of shaft 200 and through second apertures 228, 229 of arms 222,224, respectively, and second aperture 244 of rotatable member 242. Ascan be appreciated, such a configuration fixedly secures arms 222, 224and rotatable member 242 to one another, e.g., via the first and secondpins 247, 248, respectively, engaged therebetween, and pivotably couplesrotatable member 242 and arms 222, 224 of end effector assembly 220 todistal end 202 of shaft 200, e.g., via second pin 248. Alternatively,arms 222, 224 may be overmolded, or otherwise formed with rotatablemember 242.

A third pin 249 is disposed through third aperture 245 of rotatablemember 242, which is offset above and distally of second pin 248, thepivot point between rotatable member 242 (and end effector assembly 220)and shaft 200. Third pin 249 pivotably couples articulation linkage 250to rotatable member 242 at first end 251 thereof. Articulation linkage250 is pivotably coupled to distal end 255 of articulation bar 254 atsecond end 253 thereof. Articulation bar 254 is disposed within recess206 of shaft 200 and, as will be described in greater detail below, islongitudinally translatable therethrough to urge, i.e., push or pull,articulation linkage 250. Pulling articulation linkage 250 proximally,for example, pulls pin 249 proximally, thereby rotating rotatable member242 and arms 222, 224 about second pin 248 to articulate arms 222, 224of end effector assembly 220 off of longitudinal axis “X-X,” defining anacute angle between arms 222, 224 and longitudinal axis “X-X” of shaft200. Pushing articulation linkage 250 distally, on the other hand, urgespin 249 distally, thereby rotating rotatable member 242 and arms 222,224 about second pin 248 to articulate aims 222, 224 of end effectorassembly 220 back towards longitudinal axis “X-X” (i.e., back towardsthe substantially aligned position).

Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3, articulationbar 254 of articulation assembly 240 includes an articulation post 258extending generally perpendicularly from articulation bar 254 atproximal end 256 thereof. Articulation post 258 defines a heightsufficient to extend from recess 206 of shaft 200 such that articulationpost 258 engages within articulation track 130 defined on inner surfaces105, 107 of handle components 104, 106, respectively. As will bedescribed in detail below, with articulation post 258 engaged withinarticulation track 130, articulation bar 254 may be selectivelytranslated relative to shaft 200 upon selective rotation of handle 100about longitudinal axis “X-X” relative to shaft 200 to articulate endeffector assembly 220 off of longitudinal axis “X-X.” More particularly,as best shown in FIG. 5, elongated sleeve 120 includes a longitudinalslot 128 extending from proximal end 127 thereof that is configured toreceive articulation post 258 therethrough, thus allowing articulationpost 258 to extend from articulation bar 254, shaft 200, throughelongated sleeve 120, and into engagement with articulation track 130.

Articulation track 130, as shown in FIGS. 6-7, includes a longitudinalportion 132 and a helical portion 136, and is formed partially withineach of handle components 105, 107 such that, upon engagement of handlecomponents 105, 107 to one another, articulation track 130 is fullyformed. As mentioned above, articulation track 130 is configured toreceive articulation post 258 therein. More specifically, upontranslation of shaft 200 from the retracted position (FIG. 2) to thedeployed position (FIG. 1) to deploy end effector assembly 220 andspecimen retrieval bag 30, articulation post 258 is translated distallyalong longitudinal portion 132 of articulation track 130 into positionadjacent helical portion 136 thereof. Longitudinal portion 132 ofarticulation track 130 extends generally parallel relative tolongitudinal axis “X-X” and inhibits rotation of handle 100 aboutlongitudinal axis “X-X” and relative to shaft 200 when shaft 200 isdisposed in the retracted position due to the engagement of articulationpost 258 within articulation track 130. Accordingly, articulation of endeffector assembly 220 when shaft 200 is disposed in the retractedposition is inhibited at both the proximal end 204 of shaft 200, due tothe engagement of articulation post 258 within longitudinal portion 132of articulation track 130, as well as at the distal end 202 of shaft200, due to the internal dimensions of lumen 122 of elongated sleeve120, which inhibit substantial movement of end effector assembly 200 offof longitudinal axis “X-X” when disposed therein.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7, upon translation of shaft 220 tothe deployed position, however, articulation post 258 is translatedalong longitudinal portion 132 of articulation track 130 into positionadjacent helical portion 136 of articulation track 130. In thisposition, handle 100 may be rotated about longitudinal axis “X-X” andrelative to shaft 200 to translate articulation post 258 through helicalportion 136 and relative to shaft 200. Further, with end effectorassembly 220 extending from lumen 122 of elongated sleeve 120, arms 222,224 are no longer confined within lumen 122 elongated sleeve 120. Thus,as can be appreciated, translation of articulation post 258 throughhelical portion 136 of articulation track 130 may be effected totranslate articulation post 258 and, thus, articulation bar 154 relativeto shaft 200 to articulate of end effector assembly 220 relative tolongitudinal axis “X-X.” Such articulation provides increasedflexibility in the placement of specimen retrieval bag 30 within thebody cavity, e.g. thoracic cavity “C” (FIG. 19). It also enablesspecimen retrieval bag 30 to be placed away from the immediate spaceadjacent the main access incision “I” (FIGS. 18-19) and placed towardsthe apex of the cavity “C” (FIG. 19). This provides the surgeon with afunctional space immediately below the incision “I” (FIGS. 18-19) wherethe specimen “S” (FIG. 19) can be easily and directly manipulated andwhere the space can be visualized from the separate scope port (notshown). That is, the bag 30 can be out of the way of loading andvisualization.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, in conjunction with FIG. 3, specimenretrieval bag 30 is removably coupled to end effector assembly 220 anddepends therefrom. More specifically, specimen retrieval bag 30 isfolded over at an open end 33 thereof to form a loop 34 around the outerperiphery thereof. End effector assembly 220 includes a pair of arms222, 224 configured for removable positioning within loop 34 formed atopen end 33 of specimen retrieval bag 30 to retain specimen retrievalbag 30 thereon. In the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 1, arms 222,224 of end effector assembly 220 define a spaced-apart, curvateconfiguration for retaining specimen retrieval bag 30 thereon in an opencondition, although other configurations are also contemplated, e.g.,end effector assembly 220 may include linear arms 222, 224. In theretracted position, on the other hand, arms 222, 224 of end effectorassembly 220 are disposed in a substantially-straight configuration inclose proximity to one another to permit positioning within andtranslation through lumen 122 of elongated sleeve 120. As will bedescribed below, arms 222, 224 may be biased toward the spaced-apart,curvate configuration such that, upon reaching the deployed position,arms 222, 224 are automatically deployed, i.e., arms 222, 224 areresiliently returned, to the spaced-apart curvate configuration, thustransitioning specimen retrieval bag 30 to the open condition.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 8-9, in conjunction with FIG. 3, aswill be described in greater detail below, a cinch cord 230 is disposedthrough loop 34 of specimen retrieval bag 30. First and second ends 232,234, respectively, of cinch cord 230 extend proximally from loop 34 ofspecimen retrieval bag 30. One of the ends, e.g., first end 232, islooped about the other end, e.g., second end 234, and is knotted, orotherwise secured about itself (see FIG. 23), while second end 234extends proximally though shaft 200, ultimately engaging, i.e., knottingabout, pull-ring 280. Accordingly, as will be described in greaterdetail below, upon translation of pull-ring 280 proximally relative toshaft 200, cinch cord 230 is likewise pulled proximally to tension cinchcord 230 such that specimen retrieval bag 30 is cinched closed. Uponretraction of the apparatus, arms 222, 224 slide out of the loop 34 andthe cord 230 is cut, preferably by a knife in the handle portion toseparate the bag and cord from the instrument.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8-9, in conjunction with FIG. 3, it isenvisioned that specimen retrieval bag 30 be formed from any suitablebio-compatible material (or materials), e.g., 30 Denier Ripstop Nylon,configured to retain a specimen of tissue “S” (FIG. 29) therein and toinhibit the passage of fluids and biological materials therethrough. Thebag 30 can include a coating, such as a polyurethane coating, to preventegress of fluid if a permeable bag is utilized or to improve theimpermeability. The coating can be placed on the inner surface and/orthe outer surface of the bag 30. Specimen retrieval bag 30 includes alower portion 32 having a minimized cross-section configured tore-orient or re-position the specimen of tissue “S” (FIG. 29) withinspecimen retrieval bag 30 to facilitate removal of specimen retrievalbag 30 from an internal body cavity, and a relatively expansive upperportion 35 configured to facilitate positioning of relatively largespecimen of tissue “S” (FIG. 29) within specimen retrieval bag 30. Inother words, lower portion 32 has a smaller transverse dimension thanupper portion 35. More specifically, upper portion 35 of specimenretrieval bag 30 has a first side 36 and a generally-angled side 37disposed opposite first side 36. Angled side 37 tapers inwardly suchthat the transverse dimension of upper portion 35 of specimen retrievalbag 30 progressively decreases toward the lower portion 32 of specimenretrieval bag 30. Wall 38, which opposes wall 39 in lower portion 32 ofspecimen retrieval bag 30, extends substantially parallel to wall 39such that the transverse dimension of lower portion 32 remainssubstantially constant along a length thereof. Alternatively, specimenretrieval bag 30 may be formed in various other configurations dependingon the intended use of specimen retrieval bag 30.

As mentioned above, open end 33 of upper portion 35 of specimenretrieval bag 30 includes a loop 33 defined about the outer peripherythereof. Loop 33 is configured to receive arms of end effector assembly220 and cinch cord 230 therethrough for retaining specimen retrieval bag30 on end effector assembly 220 and for cinching, or closing specimenretrieval bag 30, respectively.

Specimen retrieval bag 30 may in some embodiments further include ahigh-friction mesh material disposed on an inner surface thereof tofacilitate retention of the tissue specimen “S” (FIG. 29) therein. Inother embodiments, the bag shape is relied on to retain the specimen “S”(FIG. 29) and a smooth inner surface is provided to enable easy passageof the tissue specimen “S” (FIG. 29) from the upper loading area, i.e.,upper portion 35, of the bag 30 to the lower shaping region, i.e., lowerportion 32, of the bag 30 during extraction.

Specimen retrieval bag 30 further includes a channel 42 formed therein.The channel 42 can be formed as integral with the bag material oralternatively can be in the form of a separate tube attached to the bag30, e.g. attached to an inner surface. The channel 42 includes at leastone opening or slot 44 along its length to allow the passage of air intothe channel 42. Preferably, a plurality of slots or openings areprovided to enable communication between the air and/or fluid in the bag30 and the interior of the channel 42. The channel 42 in someembodiments can also terminate at its distal end spaced from the bottomof the bag 30 to communicate at a distal opening with the interior ofthe bag 30 to provide another path for the escape of air fluid. Further,the proximal end of channel 42, in some embodiments, may be open tocommunicate with the exterior of the bag 30.

A support member (or support members) 40 may be disposed within specimenretrieval bag 30 to help inhibit collapse of the channel 42 and/or forbiasing specimen retrieval bag 30 toward an open position upondeployment from surgical retrieval apparatus 10. Support member 40 maybe formed from, for example, an open cell material such as open cellfoam, or other suitable material that enables the passage of air and/orfluid therethrough, thus allowing air and/or fluid to escape specimenretrieval bag 30 upon collapse or compression of specimen retrieval bag30 to reduce the internal pressure within specimen retrieval bag 30.More specifically, the open cell foam is preferably of a transversecross-section less than the transverse cross-section of the channel 42.In this manner, air and/or fluid entering the channel 42 from the bag 30can flow around the foam material through the channel 42. Note that dueto the open cell foam, the air or fluid can also flow through the opencell foam itself. This way, if the channel 42 collapses or is compressedduring specimen retrieval, air and fluid can still escape. The escape ofair and fluid is caused as the pressure is applied to the bag 30 duringwithdrawal through access port 300 (FIG. 18), or body opening. As thebag 30 is compressed, the air and/or fluid is forced proximally throughthe channel 42, exiting the open proximal end thereof. Thus, thisdecrease in pressure prevents balling of the specimen “S” (FIG. 33) atthe bottom of the bag 30 and facilitates removal.

Turning now to FIGS. 10-34, the use and operation of surgical retrievalapparatus 10 will be described along with a more detailed description ofthe working components of surgical retrieval apparatus 10. Initially,with reference to FIGS. 10-17, surgical retrieval apparatus 10 isdisposed in the retracted position, wherein shaft 200 extends proximallyfrom handle 100 and wherein end effector assembly 220 and specimenretrieval bag 30 are disposed within lumen 122 of elongated sleeve 120.

As best shown in FIGS. 11-12, shaft 200 may be configured to receive asafety tab 140 therethrough to inhibit accidental or prematuredeployment of shaft 200 and specimen retrieval bag 30. Morespecifically, safety tab 140 is configured to extend through slot 210defined within shaft 200 and to abut the proximal end of handle 100 toinhibit shaft 200 from being translated further distally through handle100, thereby inhibiting deployment of end effector assembly 220 andspecimen retrieval bag 30. More specifically, safety tab 140 includes aelongated portion 142 for insertion though slot 210 of shaft 200, and anexternal grasping portion 144 to facilitate grasping by the clinicianfor removal of safety tab 140 from shaft 200, thus permitting distaladvancement (and proximal retraction) of shaft 200 through handle 100and elongated sleeve 120 towards the deployed position (and retractedposition).

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 10-17, in the retracted position, theinternal dimensions of lumen 122 of elongated sleeve 120 retain arms222, 224 of end effector assembly 220 therein in thesubstantially-straight, approximated position with specimen retrievalbag 30 rolled-up, or wrapped about arms 222, 224. In this position,first and second ends 232, 234 of cinch cord 230 extend from either endof loop 34 of specimen retrieval bag 30 proximally therefrom. Morespecifically, as mentioned above, first end 232 of cinch cord 230 islooped about second end 234 thereof and is knotted to itself (see FIG.23), while second end 234 of cinch cord 230 extends through shaft 200,ultimately engaging pull-ring 280, e.g., passing through an aperture 284defined within pull-ring 280 and knotting on a proximal side thereof.Pull-ring 280 is initially engaged within plunger assembly 260 and,thus, cinch cord 230 is relatively un-tensioned. More particularly,pull-ring 280 is retained within recessed proximal portion 272 ofplunger assembly 260 via resilient lock tabs 274.

In preparation for use, and with surgical retrieval apparatus 10disposed in the retracted position, safety tab 140 is removed, thuspermitting advancement of shaft 200 from the retracted position to thedeployed position. Next, as shown in FIGS. 18-19, surgical retrievalapparatus 10, lead by elongated sleeve 120, is inserted through thoracicaccess portal 300 positioned within an incision “I” in tissue “T”between adjacent ribs “R” of a patient, although surgical retrievalapparatus 10 may be directly inserted through the incision “I,” or maybe used in conjunction with any other suitable thoracic access portal(not shown). As can be appreciated, in this retracted position, sinceend effector assembly 220 does not extend from elongated sleeve 120,surgical retrieval apparatus 10 defines a reduced diameter to facilitatepassage of elongated sleeve 120 through access portal 300, betweenadjacent ribs “R” of the patient, and into the internal surgical site,e.g., the thoracic cavity “C.”

With reference now to FIGS. 18-23, once surgical retrieval apparatus 10has been inserted into the internal surgical site “C,” e.g., thethoracic cavity, shaft 200 may be translated distally through lumen 122,e.g., via grasping handle 100 and plunger assembly 260 and translatingplunger assembly 260 distally relative to handle 100, from the retractedposition to the deployed position such that end effector assembly 220 isextended from elongated sleeve 120, to deploy arms 222, 224, andspecimen retrieval bag 30. More specifically, shaft 200 is translateddistally through lumen 122 until end effector assembly 220 extendsdistally from elongated sleeve 120.

As can be appreciated, as end effector assembly 220 emerges fromelongated sleeve 120, specimen retrieval bag 30 is deployed, orunrolled, to the open condition, as shown in FIGS. 22-23. Morespecifically, the bias of support member 40 disposed within specimenretrieval bag 30 and the biasing of arms 222, 224 of end effectorassembly 220 towards the spaced-apart, curvate configurationautomatically transition specimen retrieval bag 30 to the opencondition, wherein specimen retrieval bag 30 depends from aims 222, 224of end effector assembly 220, upon deployment from elongated sleeve 120.Further, first and second ends 232, 234 of cinch cord 230 extend fromspecimen retrieval bag 30 in a substantially un-tensioned condition dueto the maintained engagement of pull-ring 280 within plunger assembly260 (see FIGS. 16-17), thus maintaining specimen retrieval bag 30 in theopen condition.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 18-23 and to FIGS. 20-21 inparticular, at this point, with end effector assembly 220 of surgicalretrieval apparatus 10 disposed within the internal surgical site “C” inthe deployed condition, end effector assembly 220 remains disposed in anunarticulated position, substantially aligned with longitudinal axis“X-X.” However, upon translation of shaft 200 to the deployed position,articulation post 258 is translated distally along longitudinal portion132 of articulation track 130 defined within handle 100 from proximalend 133 thereof to distal end 135 thereof, wherein articulation post 258is positioned adjacent helical portion 136 of articulation track 130.Thus, once the deployed position has been achieved, end effectorassembly 220 may be articulated to a desired position, or orientation,within the internal surgical site “C,” as will be described in greaterdetail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-29, in order to better position specimenretrieval bag 30 within the internal body cavity “C,” end effectorassembly 220 may be articulated off of longitudinal axis “X-X” tofacilitate capturing of the specimen of tissue “S” within surgicalretrieval bag 30. Surgical retrieval apparatus 10 may then bemanipulated and/or additional surgical instrumentation (e.g., a surgicalgrasper (not shown)) may be used to position the specimen of tissue “S”within specimen retrieval bag 30.

In order to articulate end effector assembly 220 and, thus, specimenretrieval bag 30, the clinician grasps handle 100 with one hand andplunger assembly 260 of shaft 200 with the other hand and rotates handle100 relative to shaft 200 about longitudinal axis “X-X” in a firstdirection, e.g., a counterclockwise direction. Rotation of handle 100relative to shaft 200 effects likewise rotation of handle 100 relativeto articulation bar 254 and articulation post 258. Accordingly, ashandle 100 is rotated about longitudinal axis “X-X” in thecounterclockwise direction relative to articulation post 258,articulation post 258 is translated into helical portion 136 ofarticulation track 130. Helical portion 136 of articulation track 130 ispitched such that, as articulation post 258 is translated therethroughupon rotation of handle 100, articulation post 258 is urged proximally,thereby translating articulation bar 254 proximally along recess 206 andrelative to shaft 200. Proximal translation of articulation bar 254, inturn, pulls articulation linkage 250 proximally which urges arms 222,224 of end effector assembly 220 to pivot about second pin 248 relativeto shaft 200, thereby articulating end effector assembly 220 off oflongitudinal axis “X-X.” As can be appreciated, rotation of handle 100in the opposite direction, e.g., the clockwise direction, translatesarticulation bar 254 distally, thereby articulating end effectorassembly 220 back towards longitudinal axis “X-X.” With end effectorassembly 220 articulated to the desired position, e.g., the positionshown in FIG. 29, the specimen of tissue “S” can then be moved intospecimen retrieval bag 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-31, once the specimen of tissue “S” isdisposed within specimen retrieval bag 30, specimen retrieval bag 30 maybe cinched closed and removed from the internal body cavity “C.” Inorder to cinch closed specimen retrieval bag 30 to secure the specimenof tissue “S” therein, end effector assembly 220 is first returned tothe un-articulated position, e.g., via rotating handle 100 relative toshaft 200 in the opposite, e.g. clockwise direction.

Once end effector assembly 220 is aligned with longitudinal axis “X-X,”i.e., once end effector assembly 220 is returned to the unarticulatedposition, plunger assembly 260 is pulled proximally relative to handle100 from the deployed position back to the retracted position. Morespecifically, the clinician grasps finger holes 114 of wings 112 ofhandle 100 with one hand, grasps flanges 268 of plunger assembly 260with the other hand, and translate plunger assembly 260 and, thus, shaft200 distally relative to handle 100. Distal translation of shaft 200relative to handle 100 and elongated sleeve 120 translates arms 222, 224of end effector assembly 220 proximally into lumen 122 of elongatedsleeve 120 and likewise translates cinch cord 230 proximallytherethrough to at least partially cinch-closed specimen retrieval bag30. As shaft 200 is translated distally, arms 222, 224 of end effectorassembly 220 are urged toward one another to be accommodated withinlumen 122 of sleeve 120 and are withdrawn from loop 34 of specimenretrieval bag 30, thus disengaging specimen retrieval bag 30 from endeffector assembly 220, leaving specimen retrieval bag 30 disposedexternally and distally of elongated sleeve 120. Further, due to theproximal translation of shaft 200 and, thus cinch cord 230 relative tospecimen retrieval bag 30, specimen retrieval bag 30 is at leastpartially cinched closed as shaft 200 is moved to the retractedposition.

Turning now to FIGS. 32-34, in order to fully cinch-closed specimenretrieval bag 30, pull-ring 280 is disengaged from plunger assembly 260and is translated proximally relative thereto such that second end 234of cinch cord 230 is translated proximally relative to specimenretrieval bag 30. More specifically, the clinician inserts one or morefingers through opening 286 defined through pull-ring 280 and intorecessed rim 272 of plunger assembly 260 to grasp inwardly-extending lip282 of pull-ring 280. The clinician then translates pull-ring 280distally with sufficient urging to disengage pull-ring 280 fromresilient lock tabs 274 such that pull-ring 280 may be translatedproximally with respect to plunger assembly 260 and, thus, shaft 200. Asmentioned above, second end 234 of cinch cord 230 is disposed throughaperture 284 (FIG. 16) of pull-ring 280 and is knotted on a proximalside thereof such that translating pull-ring 280 relative to plungerassembly 260 translates cinch cord 230 proximally to fully cinchspecimen retrieval bag 30 closed, as shown in FIGS. 32-33.

With reference now to FIG. 34, the looping of first end 232 of cinchcord 230 about second end 234 thereof retains cinch cord 230 inposition, i.e., the looping of cinch cord 230 inhibits un-tensioning ofcinch cord 230, thereby maintaining specimen retrieval bag 30 in thecinched-closed condition. As such, once specimen retrieval bag 30 hasbeen cinched closed with the specimen of tissue “S” disposed therein,cinch cord 230 may be cut to release cinch cord 230 and specimenretrieval bag 30 from the remainder of surgical retrieval apparatus 10,i.e., handle 100, elongated sleeve 120 and shaft 200. These othercomponents of surgical retrieval apparatus 10 may then be removed fromthe internal surgical site “C” through access portal 300, leaving behindspecimen retrieval bag 30, which is disposed in the closed conditionwith the specimen of tissue “S” therein, and cinch cord 230, whichextends from specimen retrieval bag 30 to the second, cut end 234thereof. More specifically, cinch cord 230 is cut to disengage secondend 234 of cinch cord 230 from pull-ring 280, allowing cinch cord 230 topass through handle 100, elongated sleeve 120, and shaft 200 as thesecomponents are withdrawn from the internal surgical site “C,” such thatspecimen retrieval bag 30 and cinch cord 230 remain disposed within theinternal surgical site “C.” Ultimately, the cut end 234 of cinch cord230 is translated proximally to remove specimen retrieval bag 30 and thespecimen of tissue “S” disposed therein from the internal surgical site“C.”

Turning now to FIGS. 35-37, another embodiment of a surgical retrievalapparatus, similar to surgical retrieval apparatus 10 (FIGS. 1-34),provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generallyidentified by reference numeral 15. Surgical retrieval apparatus 15generally includes a handle 400 having an elongated sleeve 420 fixedlyengaged thereto and extending distally therefrom, a shaft 500 having anend effector assembly 520 disposed at a distal end 502 thereof, anarticulation assembly 540 coupled thereto, and a plunger assembly 560disposed at a proximal end 504 thereof. Surgical retrieval apparatus 15is substantially similar to surgical retrieval apparatus 10 (FIGS. 1-25)in both configuration and operation, except for the configuration ofhandle 400 and plunger assembly 560. Thus, only the differences betweensurgical retrieval apparatus 15 and surgical retrieval apparatus 10(FIGS. 1-25) will be described in detail hereinbelow to avoidunnecessary repetition.

Handle 400 of surgical retrieval apparatus 15 includes a pair of opposedhousing members 402, 404 interconnected by a cylindrical tube 406.Housing members 402, 404 each define a generally-annular configurationhaving a plurality of flanges 403, 405, respectively, extending radiallyoutwardly therefrom. Flanges 403 are spaced-apart from one another, asare flanges 405, to define a plurality of finger recesses 407therebetween. Finger recesses 407 facilitate grasping and rotation ofhandle 400 about longitudinal axis “X-X” relative to shaft 500 in orderto articulate end effector assembly 520 and specimen retrieval bag 30relative to longitudinal axis “X-X.” The use and operation of handle 400is substantially similar to that of handle 100 of surgical retrievalapparatus 10 (FIGS. 1-34).

Plunger 560 of surgical retrieval apparatus 15 is fixedly engaged toproximal end 504 of shaft 500, e.g., via pin 564, and includes a base561 and a proximal hub 562 extending proximally from base 561. Proximalhub 562 defines a generally-hemispherical configuration wherein therounded surface 565 thereof faces proximally. Further, proximal hub 562includes a tab 566 extending from proximal, rounded surface 565 thereofthat is configured to releasably retain second end 234 of cinch cord 230therein. As such, rather than providing a pull-member for securingsecond end 234 of cinch cord 230 thereto, surgical retrieval apparatus15 retains second end 234 of cinch cord 230 thereon by engagement withintab 566. Accordingly, when it is desired to retract cinch cord 230relative to plunger 560 to fully cinch closed specimen retrieval bag 30,second end 234 of cinch cord 230 is disengaged from tab 566 and istranslated proximally. The use and operation of surgical retrievalapparatus 15 is otherwise substantially similar to that of surgicalretrieval apparatus 10, discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-34, and,thus will not be repeated here.

Turning now to FIGS. 38-39, another embodiment of a surgical retrievalapparatus 20 provided in accordance with the present disclosure isshown. Surgical retrieval apparatus 20 is substantially similar tosimilar to surgical retrieval apparatus 15 (FIGS. 35-37) except for theconfiguration of handle 600. Accordingly, only handle 600 will bedescribed hereinbelow for purposes of brevity.

Handle 600 of surgical retrieval apparatus 20 includes agenerally-cylindrical body 602 having a plurality of flanges 604extending radially outwardly therefrom. Flanges 604 taper distally toproximally and are spaced-apart from one another to define a pluralityof finger recesses 606 therebetween that facilitate grasping androtation of handle 600. Proximal end 608 of handle 600, including thedistal ends flanges 604, defines a relatively planar surface extendinggenerally perpendicularly to longitudinal axis “X-X” which may beconfigured to mate with the planar distal surface 668 of thegenerally-hemispherical proximal hub 664 of plunger 660. Such aconfiguration inhibits catching of plunger 660 on the clinician'sclothing, interference with other surgical instrumentation, and/orinadvertent movement of shaft 700 relative to handle 600 and elongatedsleeve 620.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shownin the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limitedthereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope asthe art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical retrieval apparatus, comprising: ahandle including a body and at least one wing extending outwardly fromthe body, each of the at least one wings defining a finger holeconfigured to receive a finger of a user; an elongated sleeve extendingdistally from the body of the handle, the body of the handle and theelongated sleeve cooperating to define a longitudinal axis and a lumenextending longitudinally therethrough, the elongated sleeve defining adistal end portion aligned on the longitudinal axis; an end effectorassembly configured to support a specimen retrieval bag thereon, the endeffector assembly selectively deployable from a retracted position,wherein the end effector assembly is fully disposed within the distalend portion of the elongated sleeve, to an extended position, whereinthe end effector assembly extends distally from the distal end portionof the elongated sleeve; and an articulation mechanism coupled betweenthe end effector assembly and the handle and configured to articulatethe end effector assembly relative to the distal end portion of theelongated sleeve between an aligned position, wherein the end effectorassembly is longitudinally aligned relative to the longitudinal axis,and an articulated position, wherein the end effector assembly isdisposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis, thearticulation mechanism including an articulation bar, an articulationtrack defined on an interior surface of the handle, and an articulationpost, the articulation bar slidably disposed within the elongatedsleeve, coupled to the end effector assembly at a distal end portion ofthe articulation bar, and having the articulation post fixedly engagedthereto at a proximal end portion of the articulation bar, thearticulation post extending generally perpendicularly from thearticulation bar and operably engaged within the articulation track suchthat rotation of the handle about the longitudinal axis and relative tothe end effector assembly moves the articulation post through thearticulation track to translate the articulation bar through theelongated sleeve, thereby articulating the end effector assembly betweenthe aligned and articulated positions.
 2. The surgical retrievalapparatus according to claim 1, further including a shaft having the endeffector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof, the shaftselectively translatable through the elongated sleeve to deploy the endeffector assembly.
 3. The surgical retrieval apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the shaft is translatable between a first position,wherein the end effector assembly is disposed in the retracted position,and a second position, wherein the end effector assembly is disposed inthe extended position.
 4. The surgical retrieval apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein articulation of the end effector assembly is inhibitedwhen the shaft is disposed in the first position.
 5. The surgicalretrieval apparatus according to claim 1, further including a specimenretrieval bag supported on the end effector assembly, the specimenretrieval bag being deployable in connection with deployment of the endeffector assembly.
 6. The surgical retrieval apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein the specimen retrieval bag further includes a cinchcord disposed about an open end thereof.
 7. The surgical retrievalapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one wing includesfirst and second wings extending outwardly from the body in oppositedirections relative to each other.
 8. A surgical retrieval apparatus,comprising: a handle including a body and at least one wing extendingoutwardly from the body, each of the at least one wings defining afinger hole configured to receive a finger of a user; an elongatedsleeve extending distally from the body of the handle, the body of thehandle and the elongated sleeve cooperating to define a longitudinalaxis and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the elongatedsleeve defining a distal end portion aligned on the longitudinal axis;an end effector assembly configured to support a specimen retrieval bagthereon, the end effector assembly selectively deployable from aretracted position, wherein the end effector assembly is fully disposedwithin the distal end portion of the elongated sleeve, to an extendedposition, wherein the end effector assembly extends distally from thedistal end portion of the elongated sleeve; and an articulationmechanism configured to articulate the end effector assembly relative tothe distal end portion of the elongated sleeve between an alignedposition, wherein the end effector assembly is longitudinally alignedrelative to the longitudinal axis, and an articulated position, whereinthe end effector assembly is disposed at an oblique angle relative tothe longitudinal axis, the articulation mechanism including anarticulation bar, an articulation track defined on an interior surfaceof the handle, and an articulation post, the articulation post fixedlyengaged to the articulation bar at a proximal end portion of thearticulation bar, the articulation post extending generallyperpendicularly from the articulation bar, wherein the articulation baris slidably disposed within the elongated sleeve, a distal end portionof the articulation bar coupled to the end effector assembly via alinkage and the articulation post coupled to the articulation trackdefined on the interior surface the handle such that such that rotationof the handle about the longitudinal axis and relative to the endeffector assembly translates the articulation bar through the elongatedsleeve and relative to the end effector assembly to articulate the endeffector assembly between the aligned and articulated positions.
 9. Thesurgical retrieval apparatus according to claim 8, further including ashaft having the end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof,the shaft selectively translatable through the elongated sleeve todeploy the end effector assembly.
 10. The surgical retrieval apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the articulation bar is slidably disposedwithin a channel defined within the shaft.
 11. The surgical retrievalapparatus according to claim 9, wherein the shaft is translatablebetween a first position, wherein the end effector assembly is disposedin the retracted position, and a second position, wherein the endeffector assembly is disposed in the extended position.
 12. The surgicalretrieval apparatus according to claim 11, wherein articulation of theend effector assembly is inhibited when the shaft is disposed in thefirst position.
 13. The surgical retrieval apparatus according to claim8, further including a specimen retrieval bag supported on the endeffector assembly, the specimen retrieval bag being deployable inconnection with deployment of the end effector assembly.
 14. Thesurgical retrieval apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the specimenretrieval bag further includes a cinch cord disposed about an open endthereof.
 15. The surgical retrieval apparatus according to claim 8,wherein the at least one wing includes first and second wings extendingoutwardly from the body in opposite directions relative to each other.16. A surgical retrieval apparatus, comprising: a handle including abody and first and second wings extending outwardly from opposite sidesof the body, the first and second wings each defining a finger holeconfigured to receive a finger of a user; an elongated sleeve extendingdistally from the body of the handle, the body of the handle and theelongated sleeve cooperating to define a longitudinal axis, theelongated sleeve defining a distal end portion aligned on thelongitudinal axis; an end effector assembly supporting a specimenretrieval bag thereon, the end effector assembly selectively deployablefrom a retracted position, wherein the specimen retrieval bag is fullydisposed within the distal end portion of the elongated sleeve, to anextended position, wherein the specimen retrieval bag extends distallyfrom the distal end portion of the elongated sleeve; and an articulationmechanism configured to articulate the end effector assembly relative tothe distal end portion of the elongated sleeve between an alignedposition, wherein the end effector assembly is longitudinally alignedrelative to the longitudinal axis, and an articulated position, whereinthe end effector assembly is disposed at an oblique angle relative tothe longitudinal axis, the articulation mechanism including anarticulation bar, an articulation track defined on an interior surfaceof the handle, and an articulation post fixedly engaged to and extendinggenerally perpendicularly from the articulation bar, the articulationbar slidably disposed within the elongated sleeve and including a distalend portion coupled to the end effector assembly, the articulation postcoupled to the articulation track such that such that rotation of thefirst and second wings about the longitudinal axis and relative to theend effector assembly translates the articulation bar through theelongated sleeve and relative to the end effector assembly to articulatethe end effector assembly between the aligned and articulated positions.17. The surgical retrieval apparatus according to claim 16, furtherincluding a shaft having the end effector assembly disposed at a distalend thereof, the shaft selectively translatable through the elongatedsleeve to deploy the end effector assembly.
 18. The surgical retrievalapparatus according to claim 17, wherein the articulation bar isslidably disposed within a channel defined within the shaft.
 19. Thesurgical retrieval apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the shaft istranslatable between a first position, wherein the end effector assemblyis disposed in the retracted position, and a second position, whereinthe end effector assembly is disposed in the extended position.
 20. Thesurgical retrieval apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the specimenretrieval bag further includes a cinch cord disposed about an open endthereof.